August, 2015 – A Night of Luxury, Relaxation and Y’Eau-ga
Story and Photos by Krista Martinelli
Once a month on a Friday night, there’s something very special going on at Eau Spa in Manalapan. As my friend put it, as we dipped our toes in the cool water together, “This is like a hidden gem in Palm Beach – everyone should know about it!” Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, which was formerly the Ritz Carlton, was beautifully re-modeled two years ago. Their spa will amaze you – from the gorgeous Self-Centered Garden with swinging chairs to the lovely and large Jacuzzi with rain showers to the lounging area – which is always stocked with glasses of champagne and salted caramel mini-cupcakes. Eau Spa will indulge you from head to toe. And one of the best (and most affordable ways) to experience this slice of heaven is to sign up for their monthly “Eaummm” yoga social night.
For $40 you can enjoy a 90-minute yoga class, immediately followed by making a wish in their candle-lit Wishing Well, having access to the Self-Centered Garden, bath lounges, cabanas, steam rooms, saunas and heated loungers…and of course, there’s plenty of champagne and cupcakes. You don’t need to bring your own yoga mat, but I do recommend bringing a bathing suit. The whole event goes from 7pm to 10:30pm, and you can reserve your spot for the next one at (561) 540-4960. There are other perks that come with this terrific evening, like 15% off in the restaurant and a validated parking pass. The next Eau Spa Social Yoga Night will be Friday, September 11th. Mark your calendars, as these do fill up quickly.
If you’d like to indulge further, I recommend staying over night at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. If you do, you can enjoy the elegant, beach-themed rooms designed by Jonathan Adler, who was inspired by a “Capri meets Santorini meets Palm Beach” vibe. You can swim in one of the Resort’s pools or take advantage of the ocean, right outside your door. You can enjoy an outstanding dinner and a scrumptious Mediterranean-themed breakfast buffet inside or outdoors at Temple Orange. You can return to the Eau Spa for some of their spa treatments.
And if you do, as I did, this is how it begins. You are greeted warmly at their hospitality desk. They offer you a glass of champagne before checking on your reservation. And you can see how this puts people in vacation mode ASAP, even before they have told you your room number. The Mom in front of me said, “I feel like I’m already on vacation!” And you are…the moment you step in the door at Eau Palm Beach; you are on vacation.
Stay the Night – You Eau it to Yourself
Let me tell you about my room. Actually, let’s have designer, artist and potter Jonathan Adler tell you about the design of the room. See the video! There’s an ocean theme going on with beautiful blues and pops of yellow, reminding you of the sunshine. Eau Palm Beach is filled with orchids, and I love the white, clay pot that Adler designed, which you will find in your room. It’s one of those pieces that you can stare at for a long time from different angles, seeing faces in the design. The patio is elegant with a “Love” and “Peace” chair, as well as a swinging chair, reminding you once again that you can really relax here. With photography from Slim Aarons and other fun pieces, there’s a combination of elegance and whimsy, throughout the room. It’s a lovely place to stay, have a honeymoon, have a second honeymoon, possibly have a third honeymoon. You might just want to stay in the room for a long time, although there’s a whole ocean to explore, right outside your door.
Yoga Social Night at Eau Palm Beach
On the Yoga Social night I attended, there were over forty people registered, so they held the yoga class in one of the grand ballrooms. I enjoyed the way that the instructors Barbara Alfonzo and Brian Lester led more of a “partnering style” of yoga. While we did the usual sun salutations, we also did a lot of work with partners and even in groups of three. Since yoga is often a very individual sport, this was an unusual, social twist, and I liked it! Barbara Alfonzo, who also teaches paddleboard yoga at Eau Palm Beach, is an excellent, encouraging teacher. And Brian gave us some nice breathing exercises and some funny material, making it a positive experience, even for those who were attending their first yoga class ever. The ninety-minute class went by quickly. After the class, we took a few minutes to witness the beauty of acro yoga, something that Barbara and Brian could do quite easily. Also, another very strong couple showed us some of their acro yoga moves. Do not try this at home (if you are new to yoga)! Fun to watch though.
Off to the Spa, Champagne and Cupcakes for All
So after the yoga class, it was off to Eau Spa, which was given a Five-Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide earlier this year – one of less than 50 spas in the world to receive that honor – and as you can imagine, it is one of the loveliest places you will dip your feet into in South Florida. You begin by making a wish at their Wishing Well and taking a glass of champagne (optional, but why not?) As someone who was lucky enough to experience the spa previously, it was a treat to give my friend Rollin a tour of the spa and make the most of our time there! First you check in, put your valuables in a locker and put on an Eau Spa robe. Yes, another reminder that you are now on vacation – even if it’s just for a night. We headed to the Self-Centered Garden, a place where you can reflect on things, swing in a hanging chair and let your feet dangle in the cool water below. Then it was time for the oversized Jacuzzi, which comes with a few oversized rubber ducks – fun! And there are showers from overhead in the Jacuzzi too. We also cooled off in the lounging area, where the champagne and caramel cupcakes are plentiful. You’ll notice a theme of fun surprises, combined with elegance everywhere you go. And as they’ll tell you at Eau Palm Beach, “We don’t take ourselves too seriously.” We could have stayed for hours. We didn’t even get to the sauna or steam rooms. But trust me, there will be more trips to Eau Spa! By the way, I previously enjoyed a salt scrub foot massage in a cabana by the beach when I came to the spa. Check out their menu of spa services…there’s something for everyone.
The Temple Orange
Speaking of menus, the Chef at Temple Orange inside Eau Palm Beach has created an exquisite, healthy menu. Yes, Chef Armando Galeas has spent time cooking with Emeril and had a great vision for Temple Orange’s offerings. You can find extremely fresh seafood and other entrees in the evening, while enjoying impeccable service. In the mornings, they offer a Mediterranean-themed buffet brunch. Everything is extremely fresh, including a wonderful display of fruits. In particular, I would recommend a poached egg in a red saffron sauce called “Shakshouka” (amazing)! Other highlights are the fresh-made omletes, the smoked trout and the salmon. You will not leave hungry, but it’s all healthy food, so you will be nicely fueled for your day.
Eau – The Water
There are so many terrific amenities and beautiful spots to lounge inside Eau Palm Beach that you might forget why it’s called “Eau,” as in water! First of all, this resort is on the ocean. They offer a relaxation pool, as well as a larger pool with many comfy places to lounge. There’s also a cozy firepit outdoors for nighttime activities. One thing I recently learned is that there is great snorkeling to be had, right on the beach there in front of Eau Palm Beach. The coral reefs are actually old pieces of road. Yes, it’s old A1A and it stretches for about ten miles south. If you want to see hundreds of fish, you just need to bring snorkel gear and step about five steps into the water.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful place. If you want a truly relaxing evening, you can sample some of the most wonderful spa amenities in Florida by signing up for their Eau Spa Social Night yoga, which is followed by spa time. By the way, this yoga evening is for both men and women. There are some experienced yogis who attend the class, and there are a few who are new to yoga. They make all feel welcome. It is a five-star experience at an extremely affordable price. As for me, I will definitely be back!
Once a Month on a Friday Night
Like “Eau Spa” on Facebook
Next Event will be Sept. 11th
Taught by Leslie Glickaman of Yoga Journey
(561) 540-4960
100 S. Ocean Blvd.
Manalapan, FL33462
(561) 533-6000
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Krista Martinelli is the editor of AroundWellington.com, wife of Joe and mom of two kids. She loves working and playing all Around Wellington.